CHAPTER 11: FOREST TRAINING CAMP
IN A PRIVATE GYM DOWNTOWN
Detective Tsukauchi walked through doors to one of All Might's training gym, he sees the hero striking a heavy bag. As Tsukauchi approaches he sees the Toshinori kicking the bag over and over again which is something he'd never seen before. Once he got close enough he said.
"Looks like you're getting ready for something big."
All Might stops mid-swing and noticed his friend standing behind him just out of striking range. He grabs a towel to wipe the sweat off of his face then says.
"I'm trying a new move I picked up from one of my students, like they say it's never too late to teach an old dog new tricks."
Tsukauchi started walking towards All Might extending his hand then said.
"I'm glad to see that you're staying sharp because he's starting to make his move, after the attack on Hosu we've heard chatter that Shigoraki isn't the master mind behind the league. This along with some other intel allows me to believe that you were right and he's still alive."
All Might's smile disappears and is replaced with a look of determination like never before, he tighten his fist then said only one thing. The look he was giving made Tsukauchi pause out of shear nervousness as the pro hero sternly said
"ALL FOR ONE"
ON A BUS IN THE MOUNTAINS
Neito Monoma the copy quirk hero in training also known as the Phantom Thief asked his class rep Itsuka Kendo a question as she stares aimlessly out of the buses window.
"Kendo, what's on your mind? You look like something has your attention."
Noticing a hand waving in her face Kendo comes out of the daze she was just in. She looked beside her to see her blonde classmate with a rare look of concern on his face before replying.
"I was just thinking about how to improve my quirk, I'm tired of seeing my friends get better and better while it feels like I'm standing still."
Monoma put his hands to his chin then ponders what she meant by that, he then said what he thought was on her mind.
"It's the All Might wanna be from class 1-A isn't it? Everyone is always bolstering about how much better their class is compared to ours. "I don't get it, we're taught the exact same curriculum and yet they seem one step ahead of us."
Kendo having the same feelings towards the subject couldn't help but agree until he spoke again.
"We'll prove that we're better than them by our entire class getting our hero licenses before them, then we'll show the world how much better we are compared to those weak…"
Kendo started to knock out her obnoxious classmate when she saw him stop speaking to glance at something. Monoma then pointed out of the window before saying.
"Was that an avalanche?"
Using his finger as a guide Kendo looked over to where he was pointing and saw a large cloud of dust settling from what appeared to be part of the mountain coming down. That's when the students of class 1-B heard Vlad King say aloud.
"Will be making a quick bathroom break in about five minutes up ahead so get ready."
Kendo and Monoma looked at each other then gulped out of fear of what was in the future for their class.
TEN MINUTES EARLIER
As class 1-A one are being giving instructions on how to reach their training camp, Izuku is staring at Momo who is avoiding all eye contact with him. That's when his danger sense went off and he saw Pixie-Bob activate her quirk sending the class flying off of the mountain. Without thinking he activated black whip and grabbed all of his nearby classmates as they fell into the forest. Mineta, Ashido, Sato, Shoji, Yoayorozu, Kirishima, Koda, Jiro, Hagakure, Aoyama, Ojiro, Ida, Kaminari and Ururaka braced for the worst until they felt something around their waist as they started descending towards the ground. They all looked over to see their green-haired classmate Midoriya using his quirk to help them land safely. Once they hit the ground majority of the class started yelling back up the mountain to Mr. Aizawa, that's when Izuku's danger sense went off yet again causing him to look into the forest. He got everyone's attention when he yelled
"Class Rep looks like we aren't alone anymore and they don't seem friendly."
Hearing her freckled-face friends words she looked to where he was staring and created herself a sword. She then yelled out.
"Class 1-A listen up"
Then the rest of the class turned towards the forest before Momo said.
"PREPARE FOR BATTLE!"
That's when four prehistoric like creatures ambled over to where the students were before letting out a beastly roar. Before the beast could make another move Yaoyorozu had cut off one of their heads, followed up by Bakugo blowing of the top half of another ones body. Shoto used his ice to freeze then shatter one of the beast that resembled a rhino and Midoriya rocketed towards the last creature with his fist cocked back as he screamed
"DETROIT SMASH"
Using a thirty percent smash Izuku sent that beast crashing into the remains of the other creatures turning them into dust. Ida then spoke to everyone besides Bakugo who was already moving ahead.
"This won't be the last of them, so let's move forward as a class."
With all of the life threatening experiences they've survived, Izuku was able to gather all but a few in class 1-A for some joint training practices after school over the past few months. Knowing that their class was a target everyone agreed to help strengthen their teamwork skills for situations just like this.
BACK ON TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN
Eraser head started to gather his things before heading to the cabin that's when he heard Pixie-Bob say.
"WOW, these guys are good."
Aizawa being caught off guard by the statement said to her.
"How so?"
Pixie-Bob wiped some sweat off of her brow before replying.
"I've had to increase the size of my monsters steadily because your class is blowing through them with ease, it's not just their strength but their teamwork is what's really making an impact."
Using his binoculars Eraser head tried checking his students progress, his eyes grew large at the site before him. He didn't know what to say but he expected nothing less from his students. In the center of the forest Ida used his quirk to propel Sato straight through any on coming enemy, while Sero used his tape to bind or restrain the attacking creatures. The combo attack of Uraraku and Tsu making the beast float as Tsu launches them in Aoyama's direction made it easy for him to blast them into pieces. Izuku using black whip to catapult the enemy towards the members with long ranged attacks cleared a path to the cabin at a fast pace. All of the extra endurance training that Izuku had put himself through, using multiple quirks became a lot less draining on his body. This gave him a chance to share some tips with the rest of his class which obviously came in handy.
Two hours later, Mandalay along with the rest of the pussycat dolls and Eraser sat in front of the cabin discussing their plans for the students when they heard something coming out of the forest. Although they were very tired the entire class reached their intended goal just a few minutes past their given deadline. Not even expecting them to finish this soon Pixie-Bob excitedly went to congratulate the pack leaders. Bakugo, Ida, Todoroki and Midoriya all stepped back as she entered their personal space. She ogled their tone bodies and muscles quite aggressively while the rest of the teachers watched.
Aizawa asked Mandalay
"When did she get like this?"
Mandalay rolled her eyes then replied with a sigh.
"She's getting to the age where she's ready to settle down it seems."
Noticing what Pixie-Bob was doing Momo couldn't help but form a red tick mark on her forehead in annoyance of the desperate display in front of her. That's when Ashido got her attention.
"So are you ever gonna tell me why you haven't spoken to greenie since you've gotten back from the Island?"
Alarmed that someone noticed her changed behavior Momo tried being nonchalant with her reply.
"Mina, you must be mistaken I haven't been avoiding him."
Not believing anything she was saying Mina went on to give her friend as suspicious look before she smiled and said.
"Well I guess you wouldn't mind giving him a hand then huh?"
Momo not knowing why she would ask that turned around and grew alarmed when she saw Izuku holding his groin in pain on the ground. She went over to give him a hand but someone else had beat her to the punch. She really wanted to make sure he was O.K. but it would have to wait for now, the day had been long and a bath was calling everyone's name. A few hours later Mineta was being scolded for causing Kota's near death experience. After leaving Mandalay's office learning of Kota's past Izuku decided he was going to help Kota see that being a hero isn't a bad thing. Once he got dressed he started to go get his phone to make a call when he saw Momo by herself practicing with her Kitana. Seeing this as a perfect opportunity to speak with her in private. As he made his way over to the clearing where she stood, Izuku couldn't help but be mesmerized by the fluid like movements of her sword strikes.
Her technique had improved greatly ever since her internship and it shows. Before she finish her next downward slash Momo heard someone approach while announcing themselves.
"Hey Momo, sorry to interrupt your practice but do you have a moment to talk?"
Momo couldn't help but pause as he walked in her direction then stopped what she was doing before asking.
"What is it that you need Midoriya?"
Feeling a little nervous Izuku looked around before he went on to ask.
"Can we talk about what happened in my room back on I island?"
Momo froze for a split second as the silence of the night took over the teens surroundings. She turned her head while saying.
"I don't know what you're talking about Midoriya, I was never in your room on the island."
She went back to her practice until she heard him say.
"So we're just going to pretend that we never kissed because…"
That's when her blade came dangerously close to Izuku's face in a flash causing him to stop mid-sentence before finishing his statement. Seeing as though this wasn't his first rodeo Izuku wasn't frightened at all, he just slowly back away and said.
"Message received, I'll leave you to it then."
Momo continued her practice for the rest of the evening while holding in her emotions and what she truly felt like. The next day class 1-A and 1-B were being put through the ringer as they strive to improve their quirks. Midoriya's was a special case in this scenario thanks to Grand Torino giving Aizawa a heads up, his training was the most strenuous of them all. Izuku stood in the middle of a field blind folded while being surrounded by Eraser head, Mandalay, Rag Doll and Tiger. Grand Torino explained to Aizawa that his training required more difficulty to draw out his true potential, Aizawa had the support lab send over some of the specialized wrist and ankle weights used in the final exams. With shear will and determination Izuku embraced the task of defending himself from four pros at the same time, even though his efforts were in vain. With their experience and teamwork the pros didn't have much trouble landing blows on the first year student but he did surprise them. When Mandalay thought she caught the green-haired novice off guard he used smokescreen to hide his presence. Eraser used his quirk to stop him from making more, using this as a opportunity he ran into strike his student. Letting down his guard for a split second that's when Aizawa was thrown into Tiger by Izuku's black whip. When he tried to capitalize on his attack Mandalay was able to stop him just in the nick of time before he was able to take out Rag Doll with a sneak attack.
This gauntlet went on for the next five hours until dusk when the teachers decided to call it quits for the day. Totally exhausted and drained from the constant training Izuku looked like a zombie as he paced back to his lodging.
"My bed is going to have a Izuku shaped hole in it until morning or my name isn't"
That's when his thoughts were cut off by a familiar voice.
"Hey Muscles, you look exhausted"
Turning his head slightly to see his pink classmate he then responded.
"Hey Ashido, what's up? I'm guessing your training wasn't as brutal today huh?"
She let out a tired sigh before saying
"It was some of the toughest training I've ever experienced but the results were worth it. I learned how to shoot my acid with more direction and precision."
Mina then demonstrated her new move by using it to blast a whole into a nearby bolder leaving a baseball size hole straight through it. Izuku let out a loud whistle in amazement then said.
"With training you'll be able to do that without compressing your hands together. Which will allow you to use both hands in an offensive or defensive manner mutter mutter, mutter mutter, mutter mutter, mutter mutter."
Mina looked on in boredom as Izuku started another one of his ramblings.
"EARTH TO MIDORIYA!"
This yell broke Izuku's mutter storm and snapped him out of his thoughts.
"Sorry about that I can't help but think about ways to utilize one's quirk, I'm working on it though."
They both laugh as they walked towards the cabin talking about what dinner was going to be. Later on at the eating area Izuku walked towards the dining tables looking for a place to sit. He saw Momo sitting with Tsu they had a empty space beside them but instead of asking to join he sat at a table off to the side by himself. Seeing this Mina decided to join her classmate and pick up on their previous conversation. The two laughed at some of the stories they over heard from their fellows students, that's when Momo couldn't help but see the pink and green duo having a good time to themselves. She started gripping the edge of the table leaving hand prints in it as she continued to stare. Uraraka seeing this asked Momo.
"Hey is everything OK?"
Staring straight forward never breaking her gaze she responded.
"Yes I'm fine why do you ask?"
Uraraka looks on still not convinced and says.
"Are you sure?, because it looks like your ready to kill someone."
Momo keeping her eyes on the pair just replied.
"Who would I want to kill?"
Tsu having no filter and usually saying what's on her mind simply said.
"Midoriya if I had to guess"
CRACK!
That's when the edge of the table snapped off in Momo's hand catching everyone by surprise and silencing their conversations. Being woken by this sudden realization Momo created a bonding agent to repair the table as she said.
"These are some cheap tables"
She then let out a small chuckle while trying not to look at her classmates. As he glanced over at the table Izuku thought to himself.
"I wonder what happened over there?"
THE FOLLOWING DAY
Even though it seemed like he wasn't making much progress, Izuku's response time increased enough that he was able to land blows on his opponents without being caught off guard. Aizawa stopped Izuku before he could walk away then said.
"Midoriya, don't forget you owe me a hundred laps around the lake and a thousand push ups when your done."
Izuku nearly fainted after forgetting that he still had more work to do but then ran off to complete his task. As he finished up his last set Izuku noticed Kota walking into the woods by himself and decided to follow him. An hour later he came back down from the mountain where he met up with Kota. Feeling as though he got a little better understanding of his hatred for quirks, Izuku made it his mission to try and help him see that his parents died protecting others and not for selfish reasons. In the morning Class 1-A and 1-B were given the heads up about a special exercise they'll be doing this evening after dinner. As the students stood outside of their lodging Mandalay announced that they all would be participating in a test a courage. Everyone grew excited after how this game works and who would be paired together except for Midoriya. Once the other students walked into the forest he paused then started to think. Doing the math he realized that he would be the only person without a partner for the test until his danger sense went off. Out the corner of his eye he saw smoke coming from the direction where the test of courage was being held. Not sure what was going on Mandalay reached out to Ragdoll who was already stationed in the forest but didn't receive a response. When that happened she tried reaching out to the other pros when she interrupted by Midoriya.
"Mandalay, have you seen Kota?"
She thought to herself for a split second and then said.
"No, he always disappears around this time of night and I don't know where he goes."
That's when Izuku remembered about his hiding place before taking off in the opposite direction. Mandalay screamed out.
"Where are you going?"
Izuku replied
"I know where he's is, I'll bring him back safe."
The green haired boys image disappeared into the forest giving Mandalay one more thing to worry about, that's when a memory played back in her head.
FLASHBACK
After the first training session with Midoriya, as Aizawa packed up his gear Mandalay came over and asked.
"Hey Eraser head I gotta ask, what's so special about this kid that he needs this type of training?"
Aizawa stoically looked in her direction then said.
"Remember the incident at the USJ?"
Mandalay nodded her head yes in response before he continued.
"It was Midoriya who saved me when I was caught off guard and then he took on a creature who was strong enough to trade blows with All Might. Before I knew it that thing got behind me I didn't even see it move but Midoriya with swift enough to avoid his attacks while landing counter blows. Of course afterwards I scolded him for acting without permission but it showed me something.
Mandalay being caught off guard by this information asked.
"Oh, and what was that?"
Aizawa then threw his bag over his shoulder and pointed at his green-haired student who was walking away.
"He has the makings of a pro hero in him already and he's only a first year. If you ask me he'll make it to the big three in no time, with the right attitude and the proper training. He might even replace All Might one of these days."
Aizawa started walking away before he whispered to her.
"This conversation never happened by the way."
Mandalay smiled then chuckled before giving him a thumbs up.
END OF FLASHBACK
Mandalay took off to protect the students while thinking to herself.
"I'm putting my faith into you kid, show me what Eraserhead saw in you."
Izuku using forty percent full cowl made his way up the mountain where he last saw Kota, as he got closer he saw a large shrouded figure looming over the frightened child menacingly. Izuku, knowing what he had to do charged forward preparing to strike. A tall blonde muscle bound behemoth towers over a crying Kota preparing to attack when he heard.
"DETROIT SMASH"
The hooded figure not seeing it coming was struck in the face and sent flying back the opposite direction. His body slid to a halt at the base of the mountain lying lifeless. Izuku landing just in front of Kota then turned to ask with a worried expression on his face.
"Kota, are you OK? Are you hurt?"
Helping him to his feet Kota couldn't help but embrace him while crying out.
"That's him, that's the guy who killed my parents."
This angered Izuku causing him to clinch his fist but that's when his danger sense went off, he quickly grabbed Kota and jumped out of the way from the incoming attack. The blow from his punch left a large crater in the ground that would've killed them both if it wasn't for his quick response. The man finally spoke.
"Looks like today's my lucky day, I get to kill the kid of those losers who cost me my eye and I found my target. After I get rid of you I'll go find the blonde kid from Shigaraki's list."
The man removed his cloak and put in his prosthetic eye before saying.
"The name is Muscular and I'll be the one killing you this evening."
Izuku started analyzing the situation and realized he would have to get Kota to safety before trying to stop this villain. Using his smoke Izuku disguising their getaway, he grabbed Kota and made a break for it. Using full cowl Izuku leapt into the air off the mountain side but was quickly thrown back towards the base of the mountain. Shielding Kota from the impact Izuku used his body to cushion the blow, he then quickly checked on Kota then used black whip to shove him out the way of Muscular's oncoming attack. Using both arms to block he took the blow head on and tried withstanding the attack by pushing One for All to his current max.
"Come on kid, show me what you're made of!"
Muscular yelled those words while firing off rapid punches driving Midoriya back further and further. Just in that moment Izuku couldn't help but think.
"This guys punches feel like All Might's"
That's when one of his hands slipped and Izuku was caught by a punch that sent him soaring into the mountain causing him to hit his head. Izuku's body hit the ground and immediately he felt like he was losing consciousness. Fighting to stay awake that's when he heard a voice say.
"Wake up ninth, it's time."
Worried that he was sleep Izuku looked around thinking he was in the vestige world with the other One for All users but he wasn't. The voice spoke again.
"Listen up Kid, I'm Fa Jin, the third welder of One for All and you need to use my quirk to stop this guy."
This news shook Izuku but reminded him of the task at hand, he responded back in his mind.
"How do I activate it?"
Seeing his target stand to his feet Muscular approached at high speeds preparing to strike.
"I've had fun but Shigaraki needs you alive so nighty night."
The behemoth struck down intending to drive the green-haired boy into the ground but only made contact with the earth. He then looked up and was met with an axe kick which landed square on his head. This kick drove Muscular's face into the ground, Izuku then jumped back planning another attack but his opponent got back up.
"That's what I'm talking about, finally someone who can take a punch."
Throwing caution to the wind Izuku charged up One for All to eighty percent causing immense pressure to build up in his body. The fatigue of training on-top of the battle was definitely getting to him but his determination wasn't going to let that stop him. With the eyes of a predator excited by the thrill of the hunt Muscular pounced at his prey like a lion lunging at a gazelle. Causing Izuku to spring board off of the mountain and kick his target, going from surface to ground constantly evading while looking for chances to counter. Fa Jin then spoke again.
"Keep that up and you'll be ready to strike soon."
Listening to the vestige inside his head Izuku kept up his pace storing up all of that kinetic energy, so that he'll be able to release it in one move. The two opponents then rushed towards each other preparing to clash when Midoriya did the unexpected. Using Muscular's own momentum against him by grabbing his arm and slamming the giant of a man to the ground. Stunned and not amused by what just happened Muscular hopped up angrily when something black bounded both of his ankles. Suddenly he was being slung into the air then back into the ground, followed by being whipped into the mountain. The now bloodied and bruised man then staggered to his feet looking for his green-haired foe. That's when he saw what looked like a green creature with lightning coursing all his body charging directly at him looking to finish the fight. The power of One for All started connecting from user to user pushing it's power to the current wielder's fist. The crystallization of power accompanied with Fa Jin created something that had never been seen before. Izuku flick the finger on his right hand before saying.
"DELAWARE!"
Causing a strong blast of wind that temporarily pinned Muscular to the wall just long enough for what happened next. That's when he heard.
"SUPER DETROIT SMASSSSHHH!"
This catastrophic attack shook the entire mountain causing tremors through the surrounding forest. Muscular was sent rocketing into the mountain with such force the peak crumbled and fell on top of him. That's when Kota who had passed out from being shoved out of the way, was awaken by Midoriya leaping off of the mountain top. Izuku asked if he was OK but all the boy could do is stare on as he witnessed the top of a mountain come avalanching down its side. The pair landed safely then started running through the forest to meet up with the other's. That's when Izuku remembered what Muscular said and started thinking about who he was targeting. That's when a terrifying thought crossed his mind. All of the sudden Eraser head came running in his direction cutting him off.
"Midoriya, what happened to you? Did you engage another enemy without permission?"
Izuku replied
"You can yell at me later but Kota needed my help. The enemy I faced was very strong and apparently I was one of his targets. He was given the order to kill everyone else but capture Bakugo and me for some reason. He mentioned that it was Shigaraki from the league of villains that sent him here.
That's when Aizawa noticed Izuku's arms trembling and he could tell that the teen was in intense pain. He took Kota from the boy then said.
"I need you to deliver a message to Mandalay for me, tell her Eraserhead is giving permission to all of the students to engage the enemy. Once you've completed this task come right back to the study hall with the rest of the students. If you run into anyone else send them my way immediately and MIDORIYA."
The sudden change in the tone of his voice made Izuku look Aizawa in the eyes when he said.
"I know you went over your limit back there and you're in a lot of pain, don't doddle come right back."
Izuku took off running while shouting
"I promise I won't doddle."
Aizawa carried Kota off Back to the lodge thinking to himself.
"He won't come right back, my best guest is he'll try to save all of his classmates even though he's extremely fatigued."
IN ANOTHER PART OF THE FOREST
Yoayorozu and Awase stood side by side fending off a Nomu with the ability to spawn multiple arm's with different weapons attached to them. Taking lead Momo went in to attack but the creature swung causing her to dodge out of the way of it's swing. As she ducked she took this opening to slice it's leg distracting him in the process. That's when Awase used his quirk to weld a coffee can onto the Nomu's head trying to block his vision. Out of nowhere the monster spawned another arm striking Awase in the gut, when the creature went for the finishing blow that's when Momo swooped in. In a flash, she appeared out of nowhere stabbing the Nomu in the hands pinning it to the ground. She ran over to help Awase to his feet when she was struck from behind by a tree branch knocking her out cold. Awase leapt to his feet preparing to defend her while screaming out.
"I WON'T LET YOU LAY A HAND ON HER."
The Nomu charged the boy leaving him frozen in fear but he was determined to protect Yaoyorozu, bracing for the worst he heard a unfamiliar voice shout
"SEATTLE SMASH!"
Izuku landed a triple hurricane kick on the Nomu sending it crashing through trees deep into the forest. Still stunned by what he just witnessed Awase turned to see Midoriya carrying Yaoyorozu bridle style.
"MOMO! MOMO WAKE UP!"
Struggling to open her eyes Momo caught a glimpse of green locks above emerald eyes smiling at her. She smirked then said.
"I guess this makes it two times, huh?"
Izuku dawned a serious expression then said to his peer.
"We haven't met but I'm Izuku Midoriya, we have to get the both of you medical treatment immediately."
Shaking off being startled Awase gathered his thoughts then finally replied.
"Oh yes, right I'm Yosetsu Awase. Thanks for all your help Midoriya."
Izuku nodded then said.
"Let's go I'll have to hurry back before that Nomu get's away."
Awase responded right after that with.
"It's fine, when Yaoyorozu had it distracted I used my quirk to put a tracker on him when he wasn't looking."
Izuku smiled then said
"Great we'll use that to find him where ever he goes."
As they ran through the forest they stumbled upon another battle between Uraraka, Tsu and a Blonde Girl in a school uniform. When Toga went to strike Tsu suddenly she was wrapped up by a large black tendril and was pulled away into a clearing. She struggled for dear life trying to free herself then she saw a familiar face staring at her menacingly. The two were alone and Izuku shouted.
"WHY!?"
She covered his mouth then said
"I've been trying to reach you for hours now and you didn't pick up. I took on this job not knowing all of the details and it turned out we were attacking U.A. I was just hired to collect some blood from anyone I saw, I didn't know it was your class until it was too late."
Not sure whether to believe her or not due to everything that has happened, he released his quirk freeing her hands. He then said.
"Cut me!"
Being thrown off by his statement she responded confused asking.
"WHAT!?"
Izuku then took one of her blades and cut himself on the shoulder to make it look like he'd been attacked, he then told her.
"Get going, I don't want you to get arrested."
Izuku took off running back to his classmates while holding his shoulder where he placed his self-inflected wound. Uraraka being the first to respond as Izuku ran up she said.
"Deku, What happened? Did she hurt you?"
Izuku not wanting to alarm them just said
"She started talking and when I looked away for a split second she pulled a knife out of her boot then got me. It's not that deep but she ended up getting away."
He tore off the bottom of his shirt and bandaged his wound. Izuku then got everyone's attention explaining what he learned so far. The group of students then traveled together making their way to the rest of the class they stumbled across more of their friends passed out on the ground. Todoroki still being conscious started sitting up, Izuku ran to his side before he tripped collapsing directly in front of him. The adrenaline finally wore off and his fatigue caught up with the boy, the other students went to aid the injured when Shoto said.
"They took him, they took Bakugo."
Before he passed out Izuku said in a whisper.
"I FAILED"
END OF CHAPTER 11
